Your donations to HARK go directly to helping at-risk kids have a safer and more normal childhood. In 2023, we fulfilled requests for over 300 children, primarily children under Court protection.
HARK identifies at-risk children through our partner agencies including local schools, government agencies, and other area nonprofits. To receive assistance from HARK, a representative from a partnering agency submits a request form and specifies the type of support being requested. These requests are varied and fully dependent on the needs of vulnerable children and youth.
About 50% of our funding goes towards enrichment activities including camps, athletic programs, class field trips, school year-end activities, gymnastics, swimming lessons, driver’s education, etc. Other budgeted items include basic necessities such as clothing, school supplies, and education needs such as tutoring, computers, etc.
Target Groups Assisted by HARK
One of our major targets of support is the children who have been taken into protection by the courts. Each month in Buncombe County, over 400 abused and neglected children are in the protective oversight of Social Services, and over 50% are seven years of age or younger. Many of these children have been removed from their homes, often without their clothing, toys, and school supplies. These children carry the heavy burdens of loss, as well as adjusting to new homes and environments. Children who are placed in kinship care receive little funding from the State, so your donations make a great impact. We also serve children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. These children and youth are identified through social workers in the local school systems. Additionally, we also offer support to youth and young adults who have “aged out” of State support.
Examples of Assistance Provided by HARK
A neglected child who loves reading was provided a gift card from HARK to ensure the child’s new foster home was well-supplied with books to support the child’s desire to read.
Two children in kinship placement received bunk beds and funds for much-needed clothing as requested by their GAL. The relatives were “amazed and grateful” to HARK for providing the funds.
A mother was required to make housing repairs before being granted the return of her children from foster care. The landlord refused to make the repairs, so HARK stepped up to fund the necessary repairs, and the children were happily reunited with their mother.
HARK provided financial support for baby supplies including a crib, car seat, a bed and mattress, and clothing for children suddenly placed with their relatives who were unprepared for their arrival. The relatives were grateful and relieved for the supplies since relatives don’t receive help from social services for kinship care.
A child who was living with a relative while parents addressed issues to regain custody wanted to travel on a school trip with classmates. HARK provided funds to the relative which enabled the delighted child to join in the class trip.
A child who was abandoned by a parent struggled academically and behaviorally. HARK provided scholarship funding for participation in a sports camp. The coaches say this child is gifted in the sport and has given the child something to be proud of. The child is doing very well in the most recent foster care.
